The clock doesn't just show the remaining time. Thinking long or playing quickly: how time is used reflects the player's judgment and the tension of the game.
POINT 01
When free thinking time runs low, play moves to a per-move limit.
The "time limit" is the total time a player can use over the whole game. Once it's used up, most tournaments go into byoyomi, where each move must be played within a set time. The seconds, number of periods and treatment of breaks vary by tournament, so check the game page.
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POINT 02
A long think is a sign that "this is the critical moment."
If a player stops longer than usual, it may be a branching point: many candidates, no room for error, a need to decide the game's direction. Conversely, an instant reply to the opponent's move may mean it was read in advance.
- Remember where a player suddenly started thinking
- Watch whether the side in byoyomi avoids complications or goes for it
- A difference in remaining time isn't necessarily a difference in the position
POINT 03
Look at the clock and the board in turn.
You don't need to follow the numbers the whole time. When the commentator is laying out candidate moves, check the clock of the side with less time. If you see "this is so difficult, and only 30 seconds left," you'll feel plenty of drama.